Michael McGlynn, 47, was found guilty of two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 years of age by touching after a trial at Reading Crown Court last month.

The incidents, which happened during summer 2020 in Earley, Reading, have had a lasting impact on the young girl who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Judge Kirsty Real sentenced McGlynn, of Kingston Road, Camberley, to 30 months for count one and nine months for count two to run concurrently.

He will serve half of his sentence before being released on licence. McGlynn will also be put on the sex offender’s register.

No sexual harm prevention order was made.

Prosecuting, Brian Reece read out a victim impact statement from the girl’s parents at Reading Crown Court on Friday (April 28).

The first read: “You can see the impact it’s had on her personality. The ripple affect has caused real psychological harm far beyond those directly involved.

“We continuously aware of trigger points for her flashbacks. The past three years we’ve suffered from sleepless nights, nightmares and guilt that we didn’t do enough to protect her.

“She should have been able to trust the adults around her – her bravery should be commended.”

A second statement read: “She has struggled at school due to the flashbacks of the incidents which have caused panic attacks.

“As a result of what happened she does not like men, she said she doesn’t trust them, I think that’s really sad.

“The whole incident has impacted my family. She has told me she feels guilty that she never said no and it breaks my heart.”